Appcessory WeiPass Raised Series A Funding, Lands on WeChat Platform

WeiPass offers stone-and-mortar stores a gadget, an electronic seal, and a software platform. Scanning QR codes in the WeiPass app in a user’ smartphone with the gadget, businesses can register a customer or redeem e-coupons stored in the app. The software platform includes customer data and CRM software. For users they need to download a WeiPass app and receive e-coupons or other services through it.

The company has reached partnership with Sina’s payments service and Gaopeng, Groupon’s business in China. Gaopeng will have its 13 thousand merchant partners, including 5 thousand restaurants, in first-tier cities adopt WeiPass solution.

Last week it launched a WeChat-based service with a WeChat API. Now users don’t have to download the app but can receive e-coupons or other e-deals within WeChat. WeiPass, at the same time, hopes to see users share deals to their WeChat friends there.

Both the hardware and software are for free. Merchants will be charged transaction-based fees.

WeiPass is founded by Mr. Li Yan, a serial entrepreneur, who founded Emay Softcom, a mobile commerce solution provider, in 2001, and resigned as CEO after it introduced a controlling shareholder in 2012. IDG Capital Partners is also Emay Softcom’s investor.

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